The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, addressed 30 recently commissioned helicopter pilots from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday, urging them to meet the challenges of contemporary combat by adopting ongoing education, collaboration, and the most rigorous levels of professional conduct in their duties for the country.
This information was included in a statement released to Defence Reporters in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Air Service, Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
As per the statement, the CAS made this remark while addressing the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025 conducted at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu.
It was mentioned that the CAS, represented at the event by Air Vice Marshal Edosa, commended the pilots on their accomplishments and reminded them that the graduation signified the start of a unique phase in their professional paths.
As he stated, "You are entering a dynamic and intricate operational setting, where the dangers to our national security are diverse and continually changing. Your achievement will rely not just on the flying abilities you have developed, but also on your capacity to adjust, work together, and function as a unified joint force."
He urged the new pilots to wear their wings with modesty and a strong feeling of duty, emphasizing that they bear the hopes of a country and the confidence of a service that continues to be a foundation of peace and security.
The statement also highlighted that the graduation represented a major achievement for IHFS with the opening of its newly upgraded aircraft hangar, a key infrastructure improvement designed to enhance maintenance skills and operational preparedness.
It noted that the CAS highlighted that the hangar was among various active projects, such as a new school headquarters and 36 student housing units, showcasing the NAF's dedication to elevating IHFS to global standards in helicopter training.
As he stated, "the Nigerian Air Force is not solely focused on training pilots; we are creating a self-sufficient, goal-driven, and robust force that can handle the airpower needs of modern combat environments."
The event also included the graduation of IHFS flight instructors who finished their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, as well as promotions for several instructors, highlighting the school's expanding teaching capabilities and commitment to international standards.
The CAS emphasized once again that IHFS continues to be a fundamental element of his command approach, focusing on thorough training, enhancement of human resources, and infrastructure-based operational superiority.
He also recognized the work of the Rector and teaching staff at IHFS, commending their expertise and commitment to developing top-tier pilots.
It also mentioned that Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, together with the School’s Board of Directors, were commended for their guidance and strategic assistance, noting that the joint event was not only a celebration of pilot skill but also the introduction of a wider strategic plan for rotary-wing aviation within Nigeria's changing security framework.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).